From the Publisher: When a socialite from the nation's capital embarks on a journey to the Wild West, her life is changed forever.
A setting populated by hundreds of laborers, outlaws, and Indians is hardly the place for a wealthy general's daughter. But Josephine Cain is determined to visit her father, who supervises the day-to-day work involved in the grandest ambition of post-Civil War America: the building of the Transcontinental Railroad. Life with the railroad is far from the proper life Josephine is used to, and she faces deadly gunfights, harsh weather, and vigilante uprisings. She is torn between the West and the East; between her privileged upbringing and the challenges of a new frontier; between the pull of the suitable beau her parents approve of and an attraction to a rough but charming Irish railroad worker. But if Josephine is willing, she just might find a new life, a unique purpose . . . and true love.
A setting populated by hundreds of laborers, outlaws, and Indians is hardly the place for a wealthy general's daughter. But Josephine Cain is determined to visit her father, who supervises the day-to-day work involved in the grandest ambition of post-Civil War America: the building of the Transcontinental Railroad. Life with the railroad is far from the proper life Josephine is used to, and she faces deadly gunfights, harsh weather, and vigilante uprisings. She is torn between the West and the East; between her privileged upbringing and the challenges of a new frontier; between the pull of the suitable beau her parents approve of and an attraction to a rough but charming Irish railroad worker. But if Josephine is willing, she just might find a new life, a unique purpose . . . and true love.
My Thoughts: Prior to this book I had not read any of Summerside Press' "American Tapestries" Series. As a lover of history it sounded really interesting. I have always enjoyed books set against real historical events.
The set up of the book sounded great. I really thought it would go places. However, I was a little disappointed. Let me start with some things I enjoyed. I liked the growth of Josephine's character throughout the novel. At the beginning I found her annoying and unlikable. But the events and discoveries she made along the way affected her in ways that seemed plausible and believable. Which was appreciated. I also liked Hudson. I also really liked Josephine's Aunt and companion, especially in the later parts of the book.
Now for what I didn't enjoy. Hudson. Yes, I said I overall liked his character but, parts of his story (like his significant other at home) were irritating. It seemed unnatural to the character and more like a plot point that was needed to create some tension. Overall, however, Hudson was one of my favorite characters. I also found Josephine's actions to be something that I wouldn't expect out of that time period. To disobey your parents in that way seemed unnatural. The flow of the book was hard for me to really "get into it."
I would give the series "American Tapestries" another try as the premise behind the series seems like a great one. Also, because there were several things in the book I did like, I will read another of Ms. Moser's novels.
Would I Recommend This Book: While there were things about the book I did like, overall this wasn't one that I would read again nor would I recommend it to my friends. For those who are fans of historical fiction, especially surrounding the Transcontinental Railroad it might be something worth checking out.
My Rating: 2 1/2 / 5
The set up of the book sounded great. I really thought it would go places. However, I was a little disappointed. Let me start with some things I enjoyed. I liked the growth of Josephine's character throughout the novel. At the beginning I found her annoying and unlikable. But the events and discoveries she made along the way affected her in ways that seemed plausible and believable. Which was appreciated. I also liked Hudson. I also really liked Josephine's Aunt and companion, especially in the later parts of the book.
Now for what I didn't enjoy. Hudson. Yes, I said I overall liked his character but, parts of his story (like his significant other at home) were irritating. It seemed unnatural to the character and more like a plot point that was needed to create some tension. Overall, however, Hudson was one of my favorite characters. I also found Josephine's actions to be something that I wouldn't expect out of that time period. To disobey your parents in that way seemed unnatural. The flow of the book was hard for me to really "get into it."
I would give the series "American Tapestries" another try as the premise behind the series seems like a great one. Also, because there were several things in the book I did like, I will read another of Ms. Moser's novels.
Would I Recommend This Book: While there were things about the book I did like, overall this wasn't one that I would read again nor would I recommend it to my friends. For those who are fans of historical fiction, especially surrounding the Transcontinental Railroad it might be something worth checking out.
My Rating: 2 1/2 / 5
(Books are rated according to the following scale:
5 stars= A definite favorite, will be re-read again and again, and permanently placed on my bookshelf.
4 stars= A pretty good book, one that will be re-read eventually, placed on the bookshelf.
3 stars= An average to good book, that may or may not be read again, probably has a place in my library.
2 stars= A book I didn't like, I wouldn't read it again, and wouldn't have a place in my library.
1 star = A book I really didn't enjoy, wouldn't read again, would not keep in my library.)
(Books are rated according to the following scale:
5 stars= A definite favorite, will be re-read again and again, and permanently placed on my bookshelf.
4 stars= A pretty good book, one that will be re-read eventually, placed on the bookshelf.
3 stars= An average to good book, that may or may not be read again, probably has a place in my library.
2 stars= A book I didn't like, I wouldn't read it again, and wouldn't have a place in my library.
1 star = A book I really didn't enjoy, wouldn't read again, would not keep in my library.)
** I was given a free copy of this book through Litfuse in exchange for my honest review. I am under no obligation to provide a certain opinion of the book. **
No comments:
Post a Comment
Life is busy, thanks for taking a moment to leave a note!